Cost-effectiveness and efficacy analysis of biosimilar drugs for lung diseases: a systematic review

Chiara Alfia Ferrara and Paolo Lorenzo Ferrara

Journal of Economic Studies, 2025, vol. 52, issue 9, 174-192

Abstract: PurposeCost-effectiveness analysis is an organized method that aids in evaluating and examining the economic aspects and health results linked to different medical procedures. Efficacy analysis considers how effectively a treatment achieves the intended outcome when tested under perfect and controlled conditions. Nowadays, there is a noticeable trend towards using biologics and biosimilar medicines. Specifically, biosimilars are seen as a cheaper alternative to treat long-term health issues traditionally linked with significant medical expenses. A key area for the use of biosimilars is lung diseases, with a fast-growing number of studies on their applications.Design/methodology/approachFollowing Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, a systematic review has been conducted. Bibliometric data were collected from the Dimensions database in March 2025. The keywords selected are “biological,” “drugs,” “biosimilar,” “lung,” “diseases,” “cost,” “effectiveness,” “efficacy” and “analysis.” The timespan considered goes from 2004 to 2024.FindingsOf the 2,852 papers retrieved based on our inclusion criteria, only 28 articles published in peer-reviewed journals were considered relevant. Biosimilar drugs are more cost-effective and efficacious than reference drugs, with improvements in asthma control and quality-adjusted life years, though at higher costs in certain cases. No specific conditions alter their economic benefits, except when combined with chemotherapy. Moreover, they are used in various lung diseases, including different types of lung carcinoma and severe allergic asthma. Robust models were used for the cost-effectiveness and efficacy analysis.Originality/valueThe reported outcomes serve as a tool for researchers and policymakers aiming to explore the integration of these new drugs into the healthcare system. From a policy perspective, obtaining a clearer insight into the current landscape enables policymakers to allocate additional funding towards the adoption of cost-effective and efficacious biosimilars in specific areas, improving patient benefit and potentially lowering public healthcare expenditures.

Keywords: Cost-effectiveness analysis; Efficacy; Lung diseases; Biosimilar drugs; Systematic literature review (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eme:jespps:jes-01-2025-0059

DOI: 10.1108/JES-01-2025-0059

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